MUSEUM DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES THE PATH FORWARD A L BER TA AV I AT ION MUSEUM EDMON T ON
WHO WE ARE The Alberta Aviation Museum is a museum on a path to sustainability. It’s built on the passion and hard work of volunteers, staff, and leaders who already know something the city might not yet recognize: the legacy of Edmonton’s aviation story helped shape the city we know. Blatchford Field is a small place where big things happened. Where Edmonton’s role as a healthcare, educational, political, and commercial anchor for the province and the north played out daily. Where men and women learned to serve and to fly. Where entrepreneurs took an idea and turned it into an enterprise. There are stories of challenge, uprooting, risk, heartbreak, and loss alongside those of courage, bravery, and perseverance. They are complex and bold stories that reflect those told in other industries, communities, and boardrooms across Edmonton. These are global stories that touch down right here in the heart of Edmonton. The Alberta Aviation Museum is a steward of that legacy and the organization charged to share it with the people who live in and visit Edmonton.
» When a small group of aviation enthusiasts banded together in 1980, the Alberta Aviation Museum Association (AAMA) was born. The non-profit society searched for the perfect home, which ultimately led them to approaching the City of Edmonton for use of Hangar 14. » Built during the Second World War, Hangar 14 was commissioned by the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP) at Blatchford Field. Due to its unique build—both double-wide and double-long and the only remaining hanger of that type left in Canada— Hanger 14 is now a municipally and provincially Designated Heritage Building. » In 1992, Edmonton gave the Edmonton Aviation Heritage Society (EAHS) approval to use the hangar, granting them an initial five-year lease. This was later extended for an additional 20 years. » The AAMA’s collection of historic aircrafts has gradually increased to over 30 today, including planes from as early as 1917. When the City Centre Airport closed in 2013, the museum launched a new business plan to preserve its legacy—which included accreditation by the Recognized Museum Program in 2015. » Over the last few years, the Museum has come up with a new strategic and operational plan, new programming, and all-new displays for the aircraft collection. These improvements encouraged the City to renew its interest and support in the Aviation Museum. In 2018, a new 25-year lease was finalized, giving the museum the stability to move forward. The future looks bright.
MUSEUM DEVELOPMENT We are an active community partner and stewards of Edmonton’s aviation history, providing a dynamic visitor experience and sharing stories about the role of aviation in building our community.
Museum Collection and Community Development The museum holds an extensive collection of invaluable historic assets and resources. We continue to maintain over 30 notable aircraft— each with its own story and contribution surrounding the development of Blatchford Field, Canada’s first licensed air harbour. In addition, we also feature a public research library with over 5000 aviation manuals, books, and military publications; an extensive archive of artifacts and uniforms; and a photo collection of over 200,000 images. As stewards of Alberta aviation history, we continue to develop our collection and exhibits to highlight new stories and perspectives from the pioneers that helped develop today’s communities and beyond. From continuing restoration projects, research, and acquisitions to the development of our newly established story islands exhibits, we strive to find new, interactive ways to tell Alberta stories that provide enriching experiences for families and patrons of all ages.
Museum Facility Enhancement and Operations Home to the museum, Hangar 14 was built in 1940 to assist in the war effort. As a “temporary structure” its designed life-expectancy was 7-8 years at the time it was built. Now, 80 years later, it is a designated provincial and municipal heritage resource as the last existing double-long, double-wide air hangar from the Second World War. The countless efforts of our staff, volunteers, and ongoing relationships with the City of Edmonton and community partners keep this historic landmark at the forefront of preservation. It is truly a testament to our museum’s mantra—Where History Takes Flight. Our team is dedicated to upholding the spirit of this building and its operations, which has been an epicenter of stories and developments in Blatchford Field’s rich aviation history. Much-needed upgrades are being explored to further enhance our overall museum experience. From developing a family programming space and enhancing our front entrance, rental facilities, and security system to providing specialized equipment to assist our aeronautical restoration teams, we are working to continue to ensure our 92,344 sq. ft facility can serve our community for the next 80 years.
WHY PARTNER WITH US Our Core Values RESPECT We foster respect-based relationships and are respected in the community. COMMUNITY We serve our communities and nurture a sense of belonging. STEWARDSHIP We collect and preserve stories and artifacts and are accountable for all the museum’s resources. KNOWLEDGE We support learning, education, collecting, and sharing. PASSION We have passion for aviation history and excitement for story. We celebrate our successes and have fun!
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Awareness of Canada’s notable aviation history and contributions to Canadian heritage is critical if Canadians are to continue to play such a role in the future... Without museums, that knowledge and appreciation will be lost on our youth.” — B Gen (retd.) Bill Buckam
Your Support Will Help Us » Preserve our rich aviation history. Our story islands not only preserve the aircraft and artifacts but share the stories of our aviation pioneers in a compelling manner. By gathering and preserving these stories, we preserve our rich history and provide inspiration for the next generation. » Preserve Edmonton’s contribution to aviation industry in general. It had the first licensed airfield in Canada, contributed to the development of air cargo business, contributed in the development of air traffic control, was a major stop-over on the Northwest Staging Route, and hosted two British Commonwealth Air Training schools. » Preserve Edmonton’s role as the Gateway to the North. » Preserve the colourful stories of our local aviation pioneers and their families.
SPONSOR OPPORTUNITIES Flexible Partnerships For the Alberta Aviation Museum to achieve our Museum Sustainability and Development plan, we need your support. We can discuss your specific needs and aspirations, align those with the museum’s goals and together personalize a partnership package that fulfills those objectives. We have identified six categories for consideration. We would be pleased to discuss how we can personalize and fully customize a program to suit your specific needs.
ANNUAL GIVING
Help us keep the doors open and programs running. Your support will allow us to continue to tell our story and provide a historical resource center preserving Edmonton’s aviation history.
LEGACY GIVING
Planning a Gift in Will to the Alberta Aviation Museum lets you leave a legacy to ensure the preservation of Edmonton’s and Alberta’s aviation history for future generations. We help others understand how the aviation industry has defined Edmonton’s colourful story, and our growth will allow us to continue to share this proud past.
STORY ISLAND SPONSORSHIP
Our new story islands celebrate the roles of our aircrafts and bring them to life. The elaborate displays include diorama backdrops and historically accurate products, making a visit to the museum a truly memorable experience. B-25 Mitchell Bomber — SOLD C-104 Starfighter — SOLD For a full list of available story islands, contact the Alberta Aviation Museum directly.
EDUCATIONAL AREA/PROGRAM SPONSORSHIP
Currently we offer Grade 6 public school educational programs, which remains one of our more popular programs. The instructors are all experienced pilots, and the experience is further enhanced with flight simulators. We are looking for improvements in our classroom area and the addition of a lecture theatre and program sponsors.
CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT
With our new 25-year lease extension in place, we can now look to the future. We have many projects in mind, including lobby restoration, a children’s play area, and a brand-new restoration building complete with new administration offices, gift shop, and bistro.
BUILDING NAMING RIGHTS
This prestigious program offers the opportunity of a lasting legacy in the aviation community, whether to recognize a family member or as a corporate contribution. Naming rights may be considered for various projects—including, but not limited to, the existing historic building, the proposed restoration building and bistro, and special exhibits within the museum.
Please contact the Alberta Aviation Museum directly for more information about each of these opportunities.
LET’S COLLABORATE We are so much more than just a museum!
By forming unique partnerships with each of our sponsors, we can continue the storied legacy of Blatchford Field and celebrate the innovative future of aviation in Alberta. We look forward to discussing the opportunity further. Be a part of the momentum — Where History Takes Flight! Alberta Aviation Museum 780-451-1175 Contact H Col (retd.) Bart West P. Eng.: bart.west@albertaaviationmuseum.com 11410 Kingsway NW, Edmonton, AB T5G 0X4
11410 Kingsway NW, Edmonton, AB T5G 0X4 | 780-451-1175 albertaaviationmuseum.com | @abavmuseum